Arthur B. Langlie

Arthur B. Langlie was an American politician who served as the 19th and 21st Governor of Washington and as the 31st Mayor of Seattle. A member of the Republican Party, he was the first governor in Washington history to be elected to three terms, leading the state through the pivotal years of World War II and the early Cold War. His tenure was marked by fiscal conservatism, infrastructure development, and efforts to modernize state government, leaving a lasting impact on the Pacific Northwest.

Early life and education

Arthur Bernard Langlie was born in Lanesboro, Minnesota, to parents of Norwegian descent. His family relocated to Seattle during his youth, where he attended Queen Anne High School. He pursued higher education at the University of Washington, where he earned both his undergraduate degree and a law degree from the University of Washington School of Law. During his university years, he was an active member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity and participated in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps.

Early political career

After graduating and being admitted to the Washington State Bar Association, Langlie established a legal practice in Seattle. His political career began with his election to the Seattle City Council in 1935, where he quickly gained a reputation as a reformer fighting against political corruption. This anti-corruption platform propelled him to victory in the 1938 Seattle mayoral election, where he defeated incumbent John F. Dore. As Mayor of Seattle, he focused on municipal efficiency and supported the development of the Lake Washington Ship Canal and other public works projects.

Governor of Washington

Langlie was elected Governor of Washington in 1940, defeating Democrat Clarence D. Martin. His first term was dominated by mobilizing the state for World War II, overseeing the rapid expansion of war industries like The Boeing Company and Todd Pacific Shipyards. He lost a re-election bid in 1944 to Monrad Wallgren but returned to win the 1948 election. His subsequent terms focused on post-war development, including the construction of the Washington State Ferries system and major funding for Interstate 5 and the Second Lake Washington Floating Bridge. He also championed the creation of the Washington State Department of Commerce and Economic Development and clashed with the Washington State Legislature over budget issues.

Later life and death

After leaving the Washington State Capitol in 1957, Langlie remained active in public service. President Dwight D. Eisenhower appointed him to the United States Board of Parole, a position he held for several years. He also served on the board of the Pacific Science Center and remained a figure in Republican politics, attending the 1964 Republican National Convention. Langlie died of a heart attack in Seattle on July 24, 1966, one day before his 66th birthday, and was interred at Acacia Memorial Park.

Legacy

Arthur B. Langlie is remembered as a transformative governor who helped shape modern Washington. Key infrastructure projects like the Washington State Ferries and his advocacy for the Interstate Highway System are enduring parts of his legacy. The Arthur B. Langlie building in Olympia houses the Washington State Office of the Attorney General. His three non-consecutive terms demonstrated a unique political resilience, and his tenure is often cited as a model of pragmatic, fiscally conservative governance in the Pacific Northwest.

Category:1900 births Category:1966 deaths Category:Governors of Washington (state) Category:Mayors of Seattle Category:University of Washington alumni Category:Washington (state) Republicans